Shared Hobbies
Come on, let's do something together!
Doing things together and really immersing yourselves in an activity—simply for the fun of it and without any pressure to perform: Shared hobbies are fun and strengthen the father-child bond as well as your mutual understanding. As a father, you’ll discover new sides of your children, and your kids, in turn, will get to see their dad in a completely different setting. Since it’s not always easy to find something that everyone enjoys equally, you’ll find a wide variety of ideas here.
Shared activities are wonderful. Do you often find that there’s far too little time in your daily routine to pursue a hobby or project together with your child? That makes it all the more important to intentionally set aside time for such activities during your free time and on weekends. Shared activities strengthen the bond between you and your child, provide topics for conversation, and foster a deep connection.
Learning from one another and discovering shared interests
Do you already know about all the talents your child has? As a father, you may often be surprised by everything your child is already capable of. Shared activities are the perfect way to discover what your child is good at, what they’d like to learn more about, and where your shared interests lie. If you already have a hobby, why not take your child along sometime? Maybe you can inspire them with your passion—without, of course, “forcing” your own interests on them.
Which activity is right for me and my child?
Generally speaking, any activity that’s fun is a good choice. This ranges from parent-child music classes to triathlon training with teenagers—and the possibilities don’t end there.
When looking for a shared hobby, the general rule is: it should be fun! To ensure that’s the case, you should take your child’s preferences, abilities, and age into account. When starting a new hobby together, it’s best to approach it without setting expectations too high and to take the pressure off—it doesn’t have to be a hit right away. Especially with children, the initial enthusiasm is often huge, but it can also fade quickly. As a father, you shouldn’t show too much disappointment when that happens; instead, try to find joy in trying out a wide variety of things. Include your child’s wishes in choosing the next activity, and please always help them avoid limiting themselves to societal gender stereotypes: Many girls also enjoy playing soccer or love to climb, and many boys enjoy dancing or horses.
What should we do today: technology, music, or nature?
Sharing a hobby with your child is also a great way for you to explore new horizons and celebrate a first-time experience together. Here you’ll find plenty of ideas for your next free afternoon (or more):
Where can I find help and advice?
Looking for a hobby you and your child can enjoy together? Numerous websites offer valuable tips, inspiration, and ideas. Local sports clubs and music schools also offer courses tailored to your needs.
More Information Links for Further Reading
Local Services Local Activities for Families
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